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“I couldn’t risk she’d say no. Or worse.”
The guy shrugged his broad shoulders as the doors opened. “She’s not all that pleased at the moment, so good luck.”
“Yeah, thanks. Sorry for the hassle.”
“Don’t worry about it. Just worry about pissing off the boss.” He tapped on the door and pushed it open. “Good luck.”
I walked into an enormous corner office with Savannah sitting behind an impressive desk.
“Madison.” She flashed a pearly white grin that almost seemed genuine and I probably would have believed her if I didn’t know firsthand just how full of shit she was. “How are you?”
“I’m worried, Savannah. Mostly about my sister, Molly. Remember her?” I knew it was silly, some might say crazy, to taunt Savannah, but I needed answers, dammit.
She gave a short nod and motioned for me to take a seat, which I considered refusing just so I could stand over her. Then I relented. It seemed a stupid move and slid into a chair opposite her. I could be badass at eye level.
“I know you came to Nevada to search for Molly, but I don’t know your sister, Madison.”
“But you know where Mueller buried her body?” My voice sounded as desperate as I felt. “Right?”
“No, Madison, I don’t know that, and I wouldn’t even be able to guess where she, or her body, might be.”
Savannah let out a frustrated sigh and set her blue gaze on mine, sympathy evident for all to see even though we were completely alone.
“Why would I know her whereabouts?”
I sat back in the seat and folded my arms, glaring at her stupid, pretty face. “Don’t act stupid with me. Mueller and your old man were thick as thieves, or traffickers. I know he was directly involved in my sister’s disappearance, so don’t even bother denying it. Just tell me where she is.”
I knew I should be afraid or, at the very least, cautious, but this was my chance to get answers. Real answers about Molly.
“Contrary to what you or the Ashbys think, I wasn’t that involved in the details of the family business. I had ideas, but mostly I handled the books.”
“Sure,” I snorted, ignoring the glare she sent my way. “You told Sadie Ashby you knew where the bodies were buried. Back when they held you captive. I just want to know where my sister is. Is she alive? Dead? How fucking hard is that?”
The bitch let out a long sigh. “I don’t remember saying that, but if I did, I was lying. Probably negotiating for my life at the time. The Ashby’s aren’t known for their hospitality.”
“So you don’t know where she is?”
“I don’t. I know you probably don’t believe me, but I’m trying to be helpful.”
She was right, but none of that mattered, not when I thought of Molly sad and scared somewhere, alone. Or worse, dead. “Try harder, then. Please.”
“Mueller was getting weak,” she began and shook her head. “My father complained more than once about how he was lax enough to let some girls….. escape. Maybe Molly was one of the escapees.”
If that was true, Molly hadn’t tried to find me. If she even knew how. I pulled the last photo I had of Molly, taken a few years back, and set it on her desk. “That’s the most recent photo of her I have. She doesn’t look familiar to you?”
“No. The only girls who work for me now are the ones who want to. The rest have been freed, for lack of a better word. This woman was not among those women.”
“Shit.” Immediately, I believed her and that just made me sad and angry. I knew what Savannah had been through at the hands of the Black Jacks, and the truth was, I admired her strength to bounce back and change her ways. But I really didn’t want to like this woman.
“So, she could be dead or in Mexico or Europe, anywhere really?”
Savannah nodded, now with even more sympathy in her eyes. “Yes. I can put a couple of men on her trail. I haven’t gone through all of Ronan’s things yet, but if I find anything related to your sister, I’ll let you know.”
“Oh. I would love your help, Savannah.” My words sarcastic. “But everyone around here is lying through their damn teeth. Are you going to lie to me too?”
“I have no reason to lie to you, Madison.” Savannah looked at her tablet, swiping and tapping away. “Okay, I’ve put two of my men on it. I’ll let you know if I hear anything.”
If I delayed moving out of Ashby Manor, I could afford to hire a private investigator to search for Molly. Paying someone who answered directly to me seemed like the smartest course of action. But if this bitch wanted to help, who was I to say no?
“I would appreciate it.”
